East Budleigh locked horns with a very well organised table topping Honiton Town side last Saturday putting up a brave fight before going down by the odd goal in three, writes Mark Auton.

The title-chasing visitors certainly new they had been in a game from which Budleigh probably deserved a share of the spoils.

The opening goal of the contest came after just twelve minutes when Budleigh allowed an opposing attacker too much space on the right and he took full advantage to score.

Budleigh’s response came nine minutes later; Josh Whiller laid the ball on for Aiden Martin who side stepped a couple of players before the perfect pass picked out Jack Howarth and he finished superbly into the far corner.

Honiton were back in front after twenty-five minutes and would have had a third, but for a Dan Reynolds goal line clearance and a tip over from keeper Rob Dance.

At the other end Howarth was always a threat with his pace and went close following a Steve Hitchcock flick on.

Budleigh gave as good as they got in the second period. Five minutes in Ben Wyatt fired just wide following Harry Trick’s free-kick and when Mike White met a Howarth corner his looping header was saved.

The away side hit the outside of the post, saw Dance save well one-on-one, and also found Adam Jones making a good block.

Both Aaron Wakley and Joe Rosser joined the action in search of the elusive equaliser replacing Wyatt and Ross Szender respectively, but it wasn’t to be.

This Saturday Budleigh will have another go at the league leaders when they travel to Honiton for the return fixture. East Budleigh Reserves return to action at Vicarage Road where they entertain Kentisbeare.